Moving to another country is a massive commitment. It can be a stressful and frustrating time. But it doesn’t have to be! If you prepare well you can make sure your moving experience is as easy as possible.
Australia is one of the most popular countries in the world for tourists, expats and retirees. World-renowned cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offer a fantastic modern blend of the personal and professional. Beyond the cities, the beaches, the leisurely pace of life and the diverse culture are just a few of the factors that are attracting people from all around the world to the shores of Australia.
With their many wonderful beaches and wonderful cities, we’re not surprised that people want to emigrate to Australia. But what does a move like that involve?
In this blog you’ll find everything you need to consider before moving to Australia including:
- What to expect when moving to Australia
- How many people are moving to Australia?
- Is moving to Australia easy?
- How can I immigrate to Australia?
- Getting started and sending money abroad.
So, let’s get started!
What to expect when moving to Australia?
Australia is a fantastically unique place to live. In recent years it has been one of the most popular holiday and emigration destinations in the world. People move to Australia for the culture, the climate, the geography, the lifestyle and the people. Whether you want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of cities like Sydney or Melbourne, or you want to enjoy a slower, sunnier life by the beach, there is plenty that Australia has to offer.
There are over 24 million people living in Australia but most people live in the cities on the coast and there are wide swathes of outback that are remote, peaceful and undisturbed.
When moving to Australia you can expect to be amazed by the white beaches, the diverse (and sometimes frightening!) wildlife, the exciting music scene and the passionate sports culture. You can also expect a great multicultural mix in places like Brisbane and Sydney.
How many people are moving to Australia?
In 2020 there were just over 7.6 million migrants living in Australia, amounting to around 30% of the entire population. As a result of the pandemic, immigration to Australia was halted. However, before the pandemic levels of migration had been steadily rising. Indeed, overall migration to Australia increased from 30,000 in 1993 to 178,000 in 2016.
As borders reopen again we expect that those positive migration numbers will continue to trend upwards. Australia is still a dream destination for people all around the world. In 2022 the Australian migration program will allow for 160,000 people to move to the country, with 77,300 places for family reunions and 79,600 places for skilled migrants. While this year might start off slow in terms of migrant movement, researchers expect this to improve in the coming years.
Australia has been welcoming immigrants from around the globe for many years now. This diversity contributes to the exciting cultural experience travellers can enjoy, especially in the major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra.
Is moving to Australia easy?
Well, that depends on your situation. Have you been to Australia before? Do you know your way around? Do you have family and friends living there? Do you already have a job secured in Australia? If you answered “Yes!” to all these questions then moving to Australia might be relatively simple.
However, if you have no ties to Australia but you just fancy living there because you’ve heard it’s a nice place then your moving experience is bound to be more complicated. The situation will also depend on whether you are looking to work and study in Australia, rather than just relax on the beaches and enjoy a long holiday.
The best way to plan is by doing lots of research before you pack your bags. Organise all documents. Get in touch with people in Australia about your work and your home. This also means sorting out your health insurance, accommodation and employment before you move. If you get these practical elements sorted then you will be able to enjoy your moving experience.
How can I immigrate to Australia?
So, let’s take a look at the logistics of moving to Australia. The steps you need to take will depend on whether you are moving to Australia for work, to live with family or to retire.
There are a variety of Australian visas you can apply for depending on your circumstances. Below we’ve provided you with a list of required documents that will your application process easier, regardless of the visa you are applying for:
- Passport
- Australian Visa Form
- One Identity Photo
- Paid Visa Fee
- Family Certificates
- National Identity Card
- Police Certificate
- Health insurance
- Invitation letter
- Evidence of Financial Means
- Authorised Recipient Form
- Evidence of Temporary Stay
- Detailed Itinerary
- Accommodation Reservations
- Employer Permission Letter
This is a standard list of documents that you will need to have if you want to secure any kind of visa in Australia.
Many of you will be thinking about getting permanent residency (PR visa). An Australian PR visa is valid for five years. After you have lived in Australia for four years you can start to apply for Australian citizenship. To learn more about the immigration process visit Australia’s immigration and citizenship website.
Getting started
In this blog we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about moving to Australia. Hopefully you can use some of the tips to make your moving experience as hassle-free as possible. If you have family and friends in Australia, you might already have a few ideas of what it’s like to live there.
If you need to send money to your loved ones in Australia we can help. Small World is a global money transfer service. And for over a decade we have been helping people support their loved ones all around the world. We offer a number of money transfer services to those who need to send money abroad, and we can help to support your dreams of moving to Australia.
Your first transfer online is always free!
